For years we have been praying. Praying to do more. Be more. Give more.
For so long we haven't known what is next for us in Peru.
In 2012, God allowed us to begin taking our own teams to the jungle. It was a step, but we still felt kind of stuck in a pattern of serving, but not making as much eternal impact as we hoped.
Soon after, Kings & Queens International was born after a summer in Peru learning Spanish. God began to reveal the cycle of poverty and issue of child abandonment. He started to show us our part in it.
But what did it mean for the precious boys we came to know and love over the past 7 years, ones who called us "Mom," "Sister," and "Friend?"
After a meeting over the summer that didn't go as we had hoped, we sat with open hands and hearts.
"God, we know you have something in store. Show us, and we will walk in obedience."
After that, the pieces literally began to fall into our laps, one event at a time.
First, we made the decision to partner in planting a church, Divine Grace Evangelical Christian Church in Iquitos. Our vision for K&Q is to help equip the church to reach its own people. We never expected that God would allow us to do something like planting a church, but God gave a beautiful vision to a precious couple, and we were able to come alongside them in establishing Divine Grace.
When we received word that 12 older boys-- ones we have mostly known for 6-7 years and have watched mature into men, be baptized, and desire to pursue a degree-- were aging out of the system and would no longer be provided assistance through college, we knew this was no accident-- it was distinctly from the Lord.
We never felt like God was calling us to open an orphanage. But to support young men who are aging out and help them be able to afford college, health care, and living expenses, all while mentoring them and offering biblical accountability? Now that we could do.
So we went to work.
One of our board members, Emily Reeves (who has been serving faithfully in Peru for years) was given a vision for child sponsorship after learning of some of the financial issues that the boys home was having. However, this was always a closed door because of Peruvian law: sharing personal information and names of minors without parental consent is prohibited.
However, all these boys are adults, no longer minors and with their consent, we could legally share their testimonies, photos, and desires for the future.
Our sponsorship program began to take shape.
Out of no where, we were invited to a corporate event with a potential $15,000 in matching donations right in the middle of beginning our program. Without a doubt, the Lord's favor and hand was upon this project. He was moving.
Then, when one of the older boys (who no longer lived at the home but who we grew to know and love for several years) tragically took his life 2 weeks ago, it was further confirmation that we had to do this. We had to bring hope, give tools, and offer loving, biblical accountability for boys that needed us. Needed guidance. Needed a way to not end up exactly like their parents did in a cycle of poverty, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
Emily worked endlessly to translate, format, and edit. I coordinated changes to our website, printed, marketed, and put together packets.
With faithful prayer, truthfully some fear (that I have been praying against because I know it is of the enemy), and so much excitement, it's now time for us to introduce you to the incredible young men who are our brothers.
And they need you.
As we begin sharing their stories, some of deep tragedy, grief, abuse, anger, and hardship, we ask you to read them with the eyes of Christ and through the lens of the gospel.
As I mentioned, the boys stories we are sharing are all over the age of 18 and have written their testimonies, some very vulnerable, to share with you because they desire to be in our college program, and they are praying for a sponsor. The sharing of testimonies was optional, and the consequences of sharing such personal information with the public were explained beforehand. Even so, each of them willingly and proudly chose to share their stories to impact others and bring glory to God.
We are reminded of Luke 8:39, “‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.”
We are so proud of each boy that has chosen to share his story with you.
By visiting our sponsor page, you can learn more about our 5 options of monthly contributions, the background of the boys in our program, and their personal information and testimonies.
We truly believe these stories will change the world.
As you get to know them, will you prayerfully consider sponsoring one? Sponsorship allows former orphaned, abused, or abandoned boys the opportunity to go to college or receive vocational training, health care, shelter, and food, instead of being sent back to live on the streets of Iquitos. It also goes towards Christian house parents who have a trusting, loving relationships with each boy. Under their provision, the boys will be discipled and continue serving in their local church (Divine Grace Evangelical Christian Church). The boys have committed to living in a way that honors the message of the gospel and serving one another through cooking, cleaning and keeping up the home they will reside in together.
Each day this week, we will highlight one boy's testimony and story.
So, I would like first to introduce you to Alexander.
Read all about him by clicking here.
We may not be able to change the world or fully stop child abandonment. But as the body of Christ, we can change the world
one child at a time
www.kingsandqueensint.org/sponsor/
In His love,
Kailee Bowen
Administration & Marketing